8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tour of Athens - (Optional Excursion)

One of the most ancient cities in the world, Athens Greece is famous as the birthplace of democracy. With a history of over 3,000 years, Athens is the best town for sightseeing. According to the myth, the city took its name after Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and daughter of Zeus.

4:30 PM - CLE Registration

5:00 - 7:00 PM The Trial

During this CLE segment, we will go over the trial of Socrates. The charges. The prosecution. The defense. The strategies. The jury deliberations. And the verdict. We will visit the place where the Socrates trial took place. We will see first-hand how the legal system worked. We will sit in the jury box as we review the arguments they heard.

Athens, Greece

Embarkation Day

Our award-winning Mediterranean cruises bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.

CLE Sessions while at sea

8:30 AM - CLE Registration

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Session 1 - The Socrates Trial: The prosecution and defense revisited.

In this session, we review the arguments that were made by the prosecution and the defense. What were the prosecution’s motivations? Do these motivations still exist today? We will explore Socrates’ defense. Finally, we explore the strategies of the sentencing phase of the trial. Was this trial an elaborate suicide plan?

11:00 - 11:15 AM - Break

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Session 2 - The Legacy: Cross exam your way to the truth

Socrates was known for his brilliant use of cross examination. In fact, we get the "Socratic Method" from Socrates. In our legal system, cross examinations form the cornerstone of our truth finding quest. We will explore the theories behind the importance and value of cross examination. We will review techniques on how to best cross examine a person. And finally, we will cover how our laws embrace the use of cross examination in the admittance and exclusion of evidence.

12:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Session 3 - Current law on corrupting the minds of our youth

Socrates was put on trial for corrupting the minds of the youth. But do our laws still protect the cultivation of the youthful mind? Can a person be prosecuted today like Socrates was? This class explores the current laws protecting the minds of the youth and how those cases are prosecuted.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Sicily(Messina), Italy

Messina is a harbor city in northeast Sicily, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. It’s known for the Norman Messina Cathedral, with its Gothic portal, 15th-century windows and an astronomical clock on the bell tower. Nearby are marble fountains decorated with mythological figures, like the Fontana di Orione, with its carved inscriptions, and the Neptune Fountain, topped by a statue of the sea god.

Naples, Italy (Capri & Pompeii)

Pompeii is one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities, excavated from layers of volcanic ash. Capri is a picturesque Italian island off the Amalfi Coast, famous for its serene caves and blue waters. There's a saying that Rome is the heart of Italy, but Naples is its soul. Naples is gritty and chaotic, yet beautiful and authentic at the same time.

CLE Sessions while at sea

8:30 AM - CLE Registration

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Session 1 – Current law on impiety

Socrates was found guilty of impiety. Our laws embrace the concept of a separation between church and state. This class focuses on the history of our “impiety” laws, how our laws impact religious teachings and practices, and the current cases before the Supreme Court on religious freedom issues.

11:00 - 11:15 AM - Break

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Session 2 - The Sparta/Athenian conflict still plagues us today

Athens believes in pure democracy. Sparta believed that societies are better run by a select handful of individuals who know better. Believe it or not, but this conflict, which was the basis of the Peloponeian Wars, still plagues our legal systems. Or rather, they form the basis for our legal system. In this thought-provoking CLE, we cover how these principles of pure democracy and rule by an oligarchy form the basis of our current legal system and how every litigator needs to understand this difference to effectively argue cases.

12:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Session 3 - Deal or No Deal: Socrates Style

Ethics was never meant to be this much fun! Joel co-hosts a weekly podcast called "De-Briefing the Law" where he reports on the crazier side of the law. From this podcast, he has collected stories that will humor your, amaze you, and cause you to re-think your career choices. In this class, which is done game-show style, you, the contestant, will be presented with the facts of a real case. You will then be presented with a deal. Should you take the deal … or take your chance at trial? We will cover inappropriate contact with jurors, fist fighting judges, lying attorneys, inappropriate romantic interludes with clients, substance abuse, and much more.

Barcelona, Spain

A captivating blend of art, architecture, history, and Mediterranean charm. The city is renowned for its iconic architect Antoni Gaudí, whose masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell define the landscape with their imaginative designs. Stroll down the vibrant La Rambla boulevard, explore the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), and indulge in Catalan cuisine at bustling markets like La Boqueria. The city’s coastline offers sandy beaches and a lively waterfront scene. From its rich cultural heritage to its modern energy, Barcelona presents a captivating destination that seamlessly marries tradition and innovation.